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New Product - Lens and Shutter Protectors

So let's say you want to send your shutter for repairs. The cells are fine, and there's no need to send them in. How do you store them until your shutter is returned? And how do you ship the shutter so that it arrives safely, with no damage to the diaphragm or shutter leaves?

Or maybe you have a convertible Symmar lens and want to use only the rear element for the longer focal length.
How do you keep the front cell safe until you finish shooting?

Of course, one can cut pieces of cardboard and stick them on shutters, but that's not an elegant solution. One could do the same for cells, but what to do about cells from lenses like the Grandagon 75mm f/6.8 lens? The glass protrudes from the body, and it is impossible to put anything on the glass without damaging it.

The Lens Protectors and Shutter Protectors are designed to let lens cells or shutters be stored and shipped safely. I got a small batch of Copal 0 sized Protectors made to test demand. Depending on the response, I will get them manufactured in other sizes.

The Protectors are manufactured in Japan out of POM, an engineering plastic similar to Delrin. It is very strong and does not outgas, so there is no danger with long-term storage. The hollow part in the Lens Protector is 10 mm deep, enough for almost any lens cell. The Front Shutter Protector has threads to 3mm, ensuring that it will never touch the diaphragm or shutter leaves. The Rear Shutter Protector can be threaded on even with the retaining ring attached.

The price for one set of Lens Protectors or Shutter Protectors is 3,600 JPY, plus shipping of your choice. Worldwide e-Packet shipping for upto two sets will cost 700 JPY. EMS shipping for up to 6 sets will cost 1,500 JPY to Asia, 2,100 JPY to North America and 2,300 JPY to Europe.

Re: New Product - Lens and Shutter Protectors

Re: New Product - Lens and Shutter Protectors

It's been three days since I posted this, and instead of the avalanche of orders I expected, I've had exactly two sales, for a total of 2 sets of Lens Protectors and 3 sets of Shutter Protectors.

It's time for a reality check, and I'd like to know whether to proceed further with this idea. I can't create a poll now, so can you just answer 1, 2, 3, etc.? If you'd like to answer privately, please send me an email at focusgma at gmail dot com. I would be very grateful for your insights.

1. This is a solution looking for a problem.
2. Cardboard is good enough.
3. Good idea, but... (Please expand on your idea.)
4. The price is too low. Can't be good enough.
5. The price is outrageously high.
6. The price should be 3,000 JPY (~27 USD) per set, plus shipping.
7. The price should be 3,000 JPY including shipping.
8. The price should be 2,500 JPY (~22 USD) per set, including shipping.
9. I'd prefer to buy single units, rather than a set.
10. Anything else. Please explain as much as you can.